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Sorry to steal your thread Tom but does anyone know the deal with taking your own boots down to PRMC. Because if you've got your own boots and they fit and are comfy is that ok?

Cheers
Dave

no probs mate i think a couple of lads took theres on my prmc

Had no idea Druadan, they're not priced that cheaply so I guess they're not just a "cheap imitation" - should have had a think there.

It's quite a while ago now, and I appreciate there's a difference, but on my POC we were encouraged to take our own boots. The vast majority of the lads took well worn in Assault Boots.

Dave

You can pick CS95 boots up for around £40-£50, which is pretty cheap really (tho they are a bit shit ). If you want to wear your own for PRMC, I would go this route, although to be honest you don't need to as it's only really one phys session you do in boots and £50 is a lot of beer

You would get away with Pro Boots in training as they're almost identical on the outside, but what's the point? Goretex boots are only any use in snow; if it's dry you don't need Goretex, if it's wet then the water will find a way over the top of your boots anyhow if you're in the field - not that your sweaty feet won't have soaked your socks by the time you've yomped a few miles anyhow - and the Goretex lining massively increases the drying out time.

The Lowas someone just posted a link too are very popular (the none-Goretex version tho, same boot without the lining and about £20 cheaper), I swear by them for yomping, but crap for running in (too heavy). Case of strokes for folks, try a few makes on and see what works for you.

Now all you need is a lid first

Now all you need is a lid first

lol

Cheers for the replys, I asked because I heard there's a rush to get a decent pair and would save some hassle.

On the subject of boots,any of you guys got some good tips/advice on cleaning and polishing them? i.e. what polish do you use and what do you use to apply it (cloth?toothbrush?2 brushes one for on one and one for buffering?) and any tips on drying them i.e. do you take the insoles out,let them dry naturally etc?

To dry boots I stuff them with newspaper and leave them in the airing cupboard or near a radiator for a day.
In terms of polishing it depends what I am going to use them for. If I want them to look shiny I put polish on with one brush then take it off with another about 10 minutes later; quick movements over the boot trying to use just the tips of the bristles. If I am going into the field I leave polish on them for a day, perhaps more (generally i will leave my boots in this state at all times because they scuff easily as they are pro boots). I use a toothbrush to get polish into the welts.
My experience is through cadets so this might not be the right way to do it but it works great and my boots are so comfortable.

Mitch

Alright l'Artiste, keep your (little remaining at your age no doubt) hair on

Degrees of passion, you're going a little OTT there, one of the attribute you must have as a Bootneck (or apparently any soldier, though I've never seen Perce with it ) is the ability to think for yourself. Asking how to clean your boots is perhaps bordering on asking how to wipe your arse. No offence intended, but it is a little bone. Normal black polish and however you like.

Artist, I never intended to sound like I know it all hence I said that my experience is through cadets! Plus, I thought this forum was here for help? Degrees of Passion asked a question because he didn't know the answer and I replied as best I could.
I'm not replying to start an argument I'm just setting the record straight so you don't think I think I know it all (if that makes sense? )
Until such time as I do experience being in the field for yonks with the basic kit i will carry as a Royal Marine I'm sticking with the airing cupboard!

I know how to polish boots I was just wondering if anyone had any tips they've picked up over the years.

Mitch, I do the same with newspaper. When you're at CTC you'll probably have the chance to do that and put your boots in the drying room overnight. Keeping on top of your kit like that is good drills. I don't think you were mouthing off.

An old toothbrush for your boots is a good idea. Also maybe check out some black dubbing for your field boots if the training team allow it - never shine your boots in the field.

When you get to the end of training you'll have a fairly knackered pair of field boots on their last legs. In our troop we punctured two holes in the arches (like you used to get in old pumps) and when you're running back on the Endurance or doing the 30 miler the water will get squeezed out instead of carrying most of Peter's Pool in your boots.

Lundhags were popular when I was in - especially the ski-march boots with the square toe but now I think you get Asolo's for skiing.

I remember bundling for a pair of old boots from a pile in the middle of the grot at the beginning of my PRC and ended up with odd ones - couldn't believe it but it goes to show that it's what's in them that really matters

Artist wrote:Once the CGB is on your bonce get yourself some German Para Boots. Mine lasted for years and I only had to have them retreaded once.

Artist

They were great in the eighties (especially when DMS were standard issue), but there's better alternatives out there nowadays.

There is a newer improved model of the German boots that you can buy quite cheaply. Here for example: http://www.flecktarn.co.uk/flccb1aa.html

The Germans are actually in the process of replacing these with a new model of goretex boot at present though, so they should be quite plentiful on the surplus market.

Regards
T_T